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Hamlet is perhaps Shakespeare’s finest play and is certainly one of the most popular. It is also one of the least understood. “To be or not to be” is the question, but the answer to this most complex of plays is beguilingly elusive.
Total classes: 6
Prerequisite: The ability to read and enjoy the play
Suggested grade level: 9th to 11th grade (advanced 8th graders can be accepted.)
Suggested credit: ½ semester Literature or Shakespearean Literature
Description
Hamlet is perhaps Shakespeare’s finest play and is certainly one of the most popular. It is also one of the least understood. “To be or not to be” is the question, but the answer to this most complex of plays is beguilingly elusive. What does it mean “to be”? And is everything as it seems to be? These are some of the questions that are asked and answered in this course by Joseph Pearce, editor of the Ignatius Critical Edition of Hamlet and author of The Quest for Shakespeare and Through Shakespeare’s Eyes: Seeing the Catholic Presence in the Plays.
Outline
Class 1: Introduction to Shakespeare and Hamlet
Class 2: Act One
Class 3: Act Two
Class 4: Act Three
Class 5: Act Four
Class 6: Act 5 and concluding comments
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Ignatius Critical Edition, edited by Joseph Pearce), ISBN # 1586172611 (http://amzn.to/2oMNbfR or bookfinder.com)
Homework: Reading and weekly automated quizzes for immediate feedback.
